Local News

After opening three tree-trimming bids at the Jellico Utility Board meeting, members decided to create an in-house tree trimming operation.

The bids included a large price tag of about $370,000 for 12 months of tree trimming, according to Jellico Utility General Manager Mike Bethurem. Instead of entering into a contract with a company, the board discussed hiring two or three new employees to handle tree trimming.

The economic advantage of doing it in-house was a main motivation in the board’s decision to decide to hire new employees, said Bethurem.

Two five-year leases with the city could mean over $750,000 for LaFollette or a new hospital by 2020.

St. Mary’s Medical Center of Campbell County renewed its lease in 2010, agreeing to pay LaFollette $100,000 a year. The first payment went into an interest bearing account, and the subsequent payments will also go into the account.

In 2015, the hospital can choose to sign the last five year lease which will convert the agreement to a lease to own agreement for $50,000 a year.

Two men are now facing trial for a multitude of charges with one of them accused of harassing a witness in another case. Ronnie Waldroop and Roger Waldroop will stand trial in May for these offenses.

In August 2010, LaFollette Police were dispatched to East Kentucky Street because of reports of a fight. When officers arrived they not only saw a crowd had formed but one man fleeing the area holding his neck, which was bleeding.

An unusual call led to serious charges for a LaFollette woman last week.
On Jan. 14 LaFollette Police Officer Jason Marlow responded to reports of a snake being under a bed where a four-year-old child was sleeping in a residence on South 12th Street.